Van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial defender to net two goals in a Premier League match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender nods home twice in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in 89th minute

  • The defeat is Everton's initial at their new ground

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and are six points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at both ends of the field

After a drab midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's winning streak at home won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established strikers - had scored only one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to add to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Victoria Ward
Victoria Ward

Sports analyst and betting enthusiast with 8 years of experience in European football leagues.